Subject
Censorship Books
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Nonsenseorship
"Nonsenseorship" by George Palmer Putnam et al. is a collection of essays exploring the themes of censorship and societal prohibitions, likely conceived during the early 20th century. The text provides a critical, often humorous look at the absurdities surrounding censorship, particularly in relation to Prohibition and the cultural landscape of America at the time, involving various contributors who share their unique perspectives on the subject matter. The opening of the work introduces the concept of "nonsenseorship" and sets the tone for an engaging critique of societal and literary censorship. It features a variety of contributors, including satirical examinations of censorship’s impact on literature, culture, and individual freedoms. For instance, Heywood Broun humorously illustrates the irrationality of censorship by comparing it to the historical lack of control over human behavior, while other contributors discuss the consequences of Prohibition on societal norms and personal freedoms. This diverse range of voices makes the text a lively and thought-provoking read on the whims and follies of censorship.
Bernard Shaw
The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet
"The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet" by Bernard Shaw is a one-act play first produced in 1909. Set in the American West, this religious tract in crude melodrama follows Blanco Posnet, a drunk and reprobate accused of stealing the Sheriff's horse. As the trial unfolds, witnesses testify and secrets emerge about what really happened that night. Shaw's controversial statements about God sparked a censorship battle with British authorities, leading to the play's defiant premiere in Dublin instead of London.
H. H. (Heinrich Hubert) Houben
Hier Zensur - wer dort? Antworten von gestern auf Fragen von heute
"Hier Zensur – wer dort?" by H. H. Houben is a historical publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the theme of censorship in German literature, particularly the historical struggle between enlightenment ideas and the oppressive forces of censorship that have shaped literary expression. It contextualizes these battles against the backdrop of shifting cultural and political paradigms, illustrating the complex relationship between authors, their works, and the censors who sought to control them. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the historical context of censorship in Germany, detailing its origins, evolution, and the figures involved in the ongoing battle between free thought and restrictive governance. It notes that the author aims to answer pressing contemporary questions by examining previous experiences with censorship, suggesting that understanding the past can provide insights for present-day issues. The author highlights the whims of rulers and how cultural movements were often suppressed or manipulated through bureaucratic means, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of the tension between authority and artistic freedom throughout the publication.
Université de Paris. Faculté de théologie
Le catalogue des livres censurez par la faculté de theologie de Paris
"Le catalogue des livres censurez par la faculté de theologie de Paris" is a historical catalog compiled in the 16th century, specifically in the early to mid-1500s. This publication is essentially a formal list of books that were examined and subsequently condemned by the theological faculty of Paris. The document reflects the concerns of the church regarding various writings that were deemed heretical or harmful to Christian orthodoxy. The content of the book primarily consists of an alphabetical listing of authors and their works, which had been scrutinized by the faculty. It includes titles of significant theological, philosophical, and religious texts, often accompanied by reasons for their condemnation. The catalog highlights the ongoing conflicts of the Reformation period, particularly addressing texts associated with figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin. This work serves not only as a historical record of censorship practices but also as a window into the religious tensions of the time, showcasing the struggle between orthodox beliefs and emerging reformist ideologies.
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